Delhi schools, colleges to reopen amid COVID-19 protocols from 1 Nov, says Manish Sisodia

New Delhi: The Delhi Disaster Management Authority has allowed reopening of all educational institutions from Monday (1 November) and Chhath Puja celebrations in the city amid COVID-19 strict protocols, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said on Wednesday.Schools will have to ensure that classes are conducted in a hybrid mode which means online classes will continue, he said."All private and government schools can be reopened from 1 November. However, parents cannot be forced to send their ward to schools," Sisodia said at a press conference after a DDMA meeting.The minister said more than 50 percent of the students in a class should be called to school and all the staff are required to be fully vaccinated as soon as possible.Sisodia said a restricted number of people will be allowed to conduct Chhath Puja at predetermined spots across the Capital."People are requested to follow all COVID-19 protocols and wear masks. The COVID-19 situation is under control in Delhi but one has to remain careful," he said.